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Holiday House_The Reveal
After an arduous final push, I am happy to say, ze’ room is ready! Tricia and her team worked tirelessly to pull it all together. Now I can escape to my sumptuous and relaxed lounge with its soaring windows and glorious light whenever I am in New York. As you can see below, the space is already set for a party – a holiday luncheon that I intend to turn into an all-night bash. In fact, you’re all invited (through November 18). Let’s celebrate!
Ahhhh, “home glamorous home”.
Chic yet comfortable seating? Oui.
Dining table nestled between dramatic art and a chandelier dripping with porcelain fairies? Oui.
A bar tucked in the corner and stocked to the hilt? But of course!
Details.
Including an incredible sculpture, “Mascara” by artist Edwina Sandys.
Tricia being interviewed by the effervescent Tori Mellott …
and ready to party (!) with Huntley & Co. assistant-extraordinaire, Sarah Beth.
Auf wiedersehen, my lovelies. It’s been fun!
M.
Special thanks to Designer Attache, Roche Bobois, Lladro, Audio Doctor, Bespoke Global and Derek Skorupski.
* photo at top by Marco Ricca *
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Holiday House
I’m participating in a showhouse (yes, another one!) later this month, in New York. This particular event, the “Holiday House” benefits the Breast Cancer Foundation founded by Evelyn Lauder and is held at the Academy Mansion – an incredible upper east side property that left me speechless upon my first visit. Auspicious location? Check. Worthy charity? Check. Client? Hmm, not so much. As with all showhouses, that particular detail is missing. And with no real client, that means I have to invent one so that I have a jumping off point for my design and a concept to fall back on when I’m flooded with options. Keeping in mind the grandeur of the spaces and the impetus for the event, it seemed a strong-willed, yet feminine muse fit the persona of my would-be client. And who fits that description better than the legend herself, Marie Antoinette; the original “hostess with the mostest” with the backdrop to match. Our room will become a lounge space complete with sofas, dining area and bar, so our modern-day M.A. can wine and dine her patrons and groupies in style. We begin the installation next week, so here’s a sneak peek at some of the inspiration behind the upcoming transformation.
October 25 – November 18
2 East 63rd Street, NYC
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Don’t Call it a Comeback
Like LL Cool J, I didn’t go anywhere. I’ve just been busy. I’ve mentioned before that publishing L+L takes a lot of time and that I’m just not the type to half a– it. So I’ve been on a hiatus from le blog and dedicating my time to all-things Huntley & Co. (as it should be). But that doesn’t mean I’ve been chained to my desk these past few months. Here’s a look back at some of my adventures since December.
December_Art Basel & Design Miami
Ridiculous art and mind boggling design amidst throngs of fabulous people from everywhere.
December_Park City
Skiing, shopping and New Year’s Eve at Wahso tucked into our own private booth.
January_London
A penthouse project on the Thames, the Dean Street Townhouse hotel and a late night of theater and live music with a client.
February_DC Design House
I’m designing the Master Bedroom Sitting Room at the 2012 DC Design House in Spring Valley. The space is a gem and the design is going to be so chic. Come visit – it opens to the public April 14!
More fun things to follow. Look for another update sooner than later.
Tricia xo
P.S. Thanks for your emails. It’s nice to know L+L has been missed!
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[Re]defining Beauty
I made a long overdue trip to the nail salon this weekend for a mani/pedi. And while scanning the assortment of possible nail colors from which to choose, I stumbled upon a stunning shade of peacock blue. It’s one of my favorite colors in general – rich, complex, almost regal – so the thought of it on my fingertips was titillating. Sure enough, I love it. Not only do I think the shade of blue is absolutely stunning, but in a strange way, I think it complements my skin tone. It’s funny then that some of the conservative loved ones in my life don’t share my enthusiasm. Don’t they see what I see? What’s not to like? Some people think pretty is synonymous with conventional. But I think some of the prettiest things are those that are actually unconventional. I’m not talking about anything bizarre or distasteful. I mean looking beyond labels and stereotypes and thinking about what makes something beautiful … the confidence with which a man carries himself, the complex ideas behind an abstract painting, the texture of an unusual plant. Of course, what’s stunning will always catch our eye, but sometimes beauty and substance wear an unexpected guise.
My peacock blue manicure.
A study for “Woman Pulling Up Her Stocking” and “Salon in the Rue Des Moulins”.
Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec found inspiration in bars and brothels. Unseemly venues perhaps, but the artist found warmth and vivid color in these unlikely spectacles.
Felicity Brown’s 2010 collection was inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec’s work.
Tilda Swinton is a chameleon on and off-screen. She can look ethereal, severe or aristocratic.
Some people don’t like modern art or furniture. It’s hard to understand with gorgeous, sculptural shapes likes these.
Who needs gold or diamonds? Dahlia Kloss’ necklace is a showstopper without precious metals or stones.
Although two of the world’s deadliest snakes, the Rosy Boa and Malayan Coral Snake are also two of the most beautiful.
John Hawkes, Mick Jagger & Adrian Brody.
The talent and swagger of these men makes their unconventional looks incredibly sexy.
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Chez Huntley – update 11/13
I am happy to write that the public spaces of chez Huntley are more or less complete. Hallelujah! And while I would love to give my readers a comprehensive 360 degree tour … it aint’ gonna happen. Apparently divulging too much about a project on one’s blog limits its exposure elsewhere, so I’ve learned. When did design get so complicated?! So alas another sneak peek will have to suffice. Hopefully the pix are enough of a fix – enjoy!
— Chez Huntley Interior Details —
My home reflects my own personal vibe. I love drama and a bit of sparkle, but I need natural elements to ground the glitz. For me, a humble sense of glamour is what makes a home (and life) truly elegant.
Tricia xo
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Chez Huntley – update 11/07
There has been a lot of activity at chez Huntley since my last update. I gave myself a Thanksgiving deadline for the public spaces, so once the calendar read October I had to get my a– in gear. I actually like the pressure of a deadline. It gives you clarity and forces you to be decisive. And as I’ve mentioned before, that doesn’t come naturally when one is both the client and the designer. There is still quite a bit of work to be done, but the next few weeks will be full of exciting developments. For now, enjoy a sneak peek (emphasis on peek) at some of the details installed thus far.
Tricia xoxo
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Goth & Gorgeous
I probably won’t be hired anytime soon by clients with a dark, wicked sense of style and a penchant for all things goth. After all, I live in Washington DC. Oh, but wouldn’t it be fun. I said to a colleague recently that the more homogenized design becomes, the crazier I want to be – with my interiors, with fashion and in art. And what better time to embrace the avant-garde and darker side of style than on Halloween. It may be just a fantasy, but I would love to find some risk-taking, live-out-loud clients, throw the rule book out the window and create an irreverent, unconventional and totally goth rockstar pad.
– THE CLIENTS –
I hear they are breaking up, but Jack White and Karen Elson will always be one of my favorite couples. So unique, so dramatic.
– THE SALON –
A space filled with daring, sculptural pieces.
– THE DINING ROOM –
Brutalism, Bacon, Blackman-Cruz. Throw in some vintage and Wearstler and you have one drop-dead gorgeous dining room.
– THE BOUDOIR –
The overall concept may lean toward hardcore, but the bedroom should still be a lair of love. Edgy with an underlying sexy femininity.
Tricia ( ^ ^ )
For more dark and delicious inspiration, check out past Luxe & Lucid Halloween posts Mad About Macabre and Diabolique. Have a scary and scintillating Halloween!
* items above c/o 1st Dibs, Blackman Cruz, Flair, Fort Street Studio, Ironies, Jean de Merry, Ralph Pucci, The Rug Company and Usona
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DCNY
I had a busy week. Meetings, travel, design events, etc. A jam-packed schedule isn’t necessarily enjoyable mid-stream, but I always love the results. I meet new people, see interesting things, get inspired, and in general, shake things up a bit. Between DC and New York, I stumbled upon some fabulous finds this past week. Whether it was design or fashion, food or art, it seemed that new and exciting things were available and in abundance. Of course there is never enough time to take it all in. It’s a good thing I am able to document it all with my trusty iphone and enjoy the fruits of my labor long after my work and the week is done.
– SOURCING RUGS & TEXTILES –
I love beautiful textiles and rugs. Especially when they are assembled together in a stunning collection. Subtle, graphic, textural or glamorous – it doesn’t really matter to me. Gorgeous is gorgeous regardless of content or genre.
– WINDOW SHOPPING –
Fall is always a delicious time for fashion. Even if you can’t purchase everything you see behind the glass, you can certainly draw inspiration from the displays and create new, eclectic ensembles within your existing wardrobe. I personally am all over this season’s bold colors, layers, baggie pants and fur jackets.
– SCOUTING FOR VINTAGE FURNISHINGS –
You can troll all day on the internet, but there is nothing like seeing the real thing. I can’t get enough of unique yet elegant, statement-making furniture. Unfortunately, I need another chair like I need a hole in the head. It was hard to resist these stellar vintage finds.
– DROPPING BY AN ARTIST’S STUDIO –
I’m a big fan of Julie Wolfe’s work. So to see her paintings and jewelry in-residence was quite a treat. Plus Julie is such a cool chic – interesting, laidback and irreverent. The evening was hosted by George Hemphill and marked by contemporary artwork, incredible jewelry, wine and a “deconstructed food installation”. Loved it.
– BELLYING UP TO THE BAR –
It wasn’t my last stop this weekend, but it was definitely one of the more photogenic. Ted’s Bulletin is a throwback to yesteryear with the style and ambiance to match. If dining, I would stick to the burgers and shakes. If you’re there for a cocktail, order a Jessie Clark. Besides the delicious concoction of chamomile-infused scotch, orange marmalade and chocolate bitters, the drink is served with a perfectly round ice cube produced in seconds by The Macallan ice ball machine. An entertaining and purposeful gadget whether you’re a scotch aficionado or not.
Tricia xo
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Mother Nature, The Original Muse
I created the inspiration board below for a client this week. The concept of “bespoke-modern-organic” is specific to this particular project, but it’s also an underlying theme I try to channel in my work. I often find that design is at its best when it is inspired by something true and natural. And I don’t mean conservative. Mother nature is not exactly bourgeoisie; she rocks some pretty crazy stuff. She informs some of the most interesting, avant garde art and design. She’s the perfect muse.
Samples of stone slabs and my Christmas wrapping from last year.
The “bloom” of the coolest plant ever, Asclepias (aka Monkey Balls). A pillow in the new Kelly Wearstler fashion boutique at Bergdorf’s.
The underside of a mushroom being prepped for dinner. Several pleating options from a favorite textile manufacturer in the DC Donghia showroom.
The ribcage of a dinosaur skeleton at the Museum of Natural History. A sculpture at Darrell Dean in Georgetown.
A beautiful shell I found on the beach in Chappaquiddick last summer. House of Lavande’s Seashell Cuff.
The incredible artist, Julie Wolfe, took this photo in the Amazon rainforest while traveling via the Art in Embassies program. My chic, French friend Sophie wears this delicate, yet modern bracelet with flair.
The simple beauty of a bird’s nest finds its way to a handcrafted gold ring.
Thanks ma’ for all the goodies!
Tricia xo
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Tune Out and Turn On
I’m inspired as of late. I’m finding crazy/wonderous/beautiful things everywhere I look. It’s like I’ve snapped out of a foggy stupor. I haven’t discovered a new vitamin or taken up Buddhism, but I have made a committed effort to unplug from the oversaturated and under-inspired world of regurgitated design. It’s become pretty obvious lately that most of what’s online, in magazines and in the stores is the same recycled concept over and over again – i.e., a random mix of genres with the ubiquitous pop of color, pseudo-ethnic pillows and obligatory mid-century focal piece. Bleh, enough! In this day and age it seems that the internet has become our main source of inspiration – I think that may actually be one of the seven signs of the apocalypse – and everyone is plugged into the same circuit. So as one who is not only guilty of this crime, but who champions the cause (yes, I realize as a blogger I am the pot calling the kettle black), I say turn off your smartphone, log off Facebook, ignore this week’s blog feed and look around you. There is beauty in the world!
Tricia xo
LUXE AND LUCID
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
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